cutlery

Cutlery refers to eating and serving utensils used at the table. The core components are knives, forks, and spoons, which together form the basic cutlery set. In many English-speaking regions the term flatware is common, while silverware historically denotes items made of or plated with silver.

Origins of cutlery extend to ancient times, with knives and spoons used in many cultures. The fork arrived in the Western world in the Middle Ages and became widespread in Europe by the 17th and 18th centuries, shaping dining etiquette. The popularization of standardized sets occurred in the 18th–19th centuries, and the adoption of stainless steel in the early 20th century enabled affordable, durable cutlery for mass markets.

Materials and construction: Cutlery is manufactured from stainless steel, silver, silverplate, or other metals, and sometimes combined with wooden, plastic, or bone handles. Modern stainless steel cutlery is often graded 18/8 or 18/10, meaning about 18% chromium and 8–10% nickel. Items are produced by forging or stamping and often finished by polishing and electroplating. High-end sets may be fully forged from solid steel.

Variants and care: Many designs include specialized pieces such as fish knives, soup spoons, dessert forks, or butter knives. Usage varies by culture and occasion; etiquette guides explain handling and placement. Care includes hand-washing or dishwasher safety in some sets, avoiding contact with acidic foods that can corrode silver, and occasional polishing for silverware to prevent tarnish.